While relatively undiscovered, Sado is a rather sizeable island off the northeast coast of Japan. With very few visitors making their way over to the island public transport is limited but it’s by no means impossible to get around, so here’s how.
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The main means of getting around Sado Island is by car. Most islanders have access to one as this is the easiest way to make your way up and down the 80km island. If you have a driver’s license that allows you to drive in Japan, we highly recommend that you follow their lead. Rental car shops are available near Ryotsu Port, where the ferries and jetfoils from Niigata arrive. The rental fee and price of gas varies depending on the type of car you choose but will be in the range of 6,000-10,000 yen for a full day.
![Getting Around Sado Island]()
Getting Around Sado Island
If you don’t have a license that can be used in Japan, don’t let this be a reason to put you off a trip to Sado. There are around a dozen different bus lines on the island, connecting most of the major spots and areas. Between the main towns of Ryotsu, Aikawa, Mano and Uno there is generally at least one departure per hour during the daytime. But venture further away from the main hubs and the departures becomes increasingly sparse. As of September 2017, there are only three departures on weekdays connecting Ryotsu to the scenic northern parts of the island. Unfortunately some of the sightseeing spots on the island, such as the cedar forest walk in the inner Osado mountain range, or the Senmaida Rice Terraces, are not accessible by bus at all.
English language bus timetables are available online and we highly recommend that you plan your trip beforehand if you will be depending on bus transport. One, two, and three-day bus-passes are available and can be purchased directly from the driver. These passes are a great option if you’re planning to do a few trips every day.
There are also tour bus services organized by Niigata Kotsu that will take you to most of the sightseeing spots on the island. These vary in length from half a day to full-day tours that cover most of the island. You’ll need to book in advance so be sure to contact the Sado Tourism Association at Ryotsu Port for more information.
If you are travelling in a small group or have an extra bit of cash to spend, Sightseeing Taxis might be a viable option. Considering that it takes approximately two hours to drive from the southern end of the island to its most northernmost point, the costs quickly add up but the convenience of a private car and driver is well worth it.
If you just plan to explore a smaller part of the island, for example the Ogi area or the towns along the Mano Bay, a rental bicycle is a fun and active option. Electrically assisted bikes are available too for those that fancy a less strenuous pedal up and down the hilly parts of the island. A full day rental of an electric bike will set you back approximately 2,000 yen. For an extra fee of 1,100 yen is possible to return the bike at a different place from where you rented it. Again, the Sado Tourism Association at Ryotsu Port can help you find a suitable rental shop depending on your needs.- 佐渡島
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- 新潟県佐渡市
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